Kazakhstan to drill 200 exploration wells by 2028 to find new deposits

September 7, 2026 at 07:31 AM2 min

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Kazakhstan plans to drill about 80 exploration wells in 2026 and up to 120 annually in 2027–2028, Vice Energy Minister Yerlan Akbarov said at the KAZDRILLING conference in Atyrau. The ministry has simplified auction procedures for little-studied sedimentary basins, holding auctions within 10 working days of an application. The program also requires seismic surveys on at least 30% of a licensed area in the first three years.

Key Facts

Vice Energy Minister Yerlan Akbarov announced plans for about 80 exploration wells in 2026 and up to 120 annually in 2027–2028.
The Ministry of Energy will hold an auction within 10 working days after receiving an application for a little-studied sedimentary basin.
The work program requires seismic surveys on at least 30% of a licensed area in the first three years, followed by exploration drilling.
The Zhigermunaiservice plant in Atyrau produces drill bits, calibrators, and other drilling equipment for the domestic market.

Drilling Targets

Vice Energy Minister Yerlan Akbarov said the increase in drilling volumes is necessary to open new deposits and replenish the country's resource base. Exploration drilling could reach about 80 wells in 2026 and up to 120 wells annually in 2027–2028, according to the ministry's forecast estimates. The program focuses on little-studied sedimentary basins with significant oil and gas potential.

Licensing and Local Content

The Ministry of Energy has simplified the procedure for granting such areas: after receiving an application, the ministry holds an auction within 10 working days. The work program requires seismic surveys on at least 30% of the area in the first three years and subsequent drilling of exploration wells. The Zhigermunaiservice plant in Atyrau produces drill bits, calibrators, and other drilling equipment, demonstrating existing domestic production competencies. Akbarov said the goal is to form a sustainable and competitive drilling services market, leading to new geological discoveries, reserve replacement, domestic production development, skilled jobs, and increased tax revenues.